Solar energy paper index
The coming photovoltaic glass wave: techno-economic sensitivity, learning effects, and material flow insights
One-line summary
A solar energy research paper on The coming photovoltaic glass wave: techno-economic sensitivity, learning effects, and material flow insights.
Engineering notes
Engineering notes will be added by the Power for Solar editorial team.
Chinese explanation / 中文解读
中文解读待补充：本站会优先为光伏效率、钙钛矿太阳能电池、储能技术、太阳能热利用、BIPV、并网技术等高价值论文补充中文说明。
Original abstract
Abstract The prime objective of this study is to develop a cost-based sensitivity analysis of recycling perovskite solar module glass and to project future glass availability for recycling in Europe. To do this, we use global average prices data and an extended bottom-up cost model, with modifications to account for the recycling of perovskite photovoltaic glass. We conduct sensitivity analyses with 0, 2, and 5% changes in technical and economic factors, and learning-rate-based projections, to identify the key process steps that improve the economic benefits of glass recycling. For the PV glass projections, we employ the combination of the Weibull distribution and material flow analysis methods. While applying learning rate projections based on the EU-installed volume, we use conservative, base, and optimistic approaches with 10, 15, and 20% learning rates, respectively. The sensitivity analysis outcomes demonstrate that chemical/thermal treatment, washing, emission control, size reduction, and transport are key contributors to glass recycling costs. The learning rate projections for recycling costs indicate that recycling costs can be reduced by up to $7 per square meter with scalability up to 4 TW, based on current recycling infrastructure and technologies. Lastly, the results of the material flow analysis indicate that Europe alone will produce 10 to 25 million tons of glass per year from 2035 to 2070, depending on module life cycle and installation scenarios. The study suggests that there will be an urgent need for glass recycling infrastructure and reforms, recycling startups, and PV manufacturing businesses (SDG-7: clean and affordable energy) to support PV recycling and enhance circularity, thereby reducing the EU's resource dependence.
Links and sources
Need this topic turned into a technical roadmap?
Power for Solar can prepare a custom solar energy literature review, simulation code map, dataset map, and B2B photovoltaic technology assessment.
Request B2B research
Comments